College Application Essays

My left hand flips the well-worn page of a tattered score while my right hand sways in four-four time. A cursory glance reveals a crescendo for the trumpet section. Signaling the imaginary orchestra, my left hand sweeps out in a wide arc to indicate the change in dynamics. A hasty scribble in the receding white space of the score marks the trumpet passage for further examination later. This marathon of a piece finally transitions into a full-on sprint as the...

Supplemental Essay for Brown: “Why us” school essay

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“Grades don’t matter,” my freshman biology teacher said, “What matters is actually learning the material, rather than the grade you receive”. More than just mitochondria and chloroplasts, freshman biology taught me to learn in the pursuit of knowledge. At Brown, I see this pursuit of knowledge personified. The open curriculum and unconventional grading system foster a student body that is thirsty for knowledge and has a genuine interest in their pursuits. Why Brown? I want to go to college...

Supplemental Essay for Brown: Unique question posed by school

203 Words

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Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated earlier in this application? If you are “undecided" or not sure which Brown concentrations match your interests, consider describing more generally the academic topics or modes of thought that engage you currently. (150 word limit)
I like to eat grapefruits with string cheese. It's an odd combination, but the sweetness of the grapefruits mixed with the savory string cheese is immensely satisfying. Similarly, biochemistry and music, while not a...

Supplemental Essay for Brown: Unique question posed by school

140 Words

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Tell us where you have lived - and for how long - since you were born; whether you’ve always lived in the same place, or perhaps in a variety of places. (100 word limit)
I was born in Newtown Square: an average sized suburb of Philadelphia. It’s a place where everyone suffered through cotillion, wears North Face religiously, and probably belongs to a local golf club. One might describe its populous as homogeneous. I find it boring. A bastion...

Supplemental Essay for Brown: Unique question posed by school

139 Words

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We all exist within communities or groups of various sizes, origins, and purposes; pick one and tell us why it is important to you, and how it has shaped you. (100 word limit)
A jubilant prayer erupts from the musical cast, offered up to St. Genesius, patron saint of thieves and actors. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down each year and now, as a theater board member, I’ve been tasked with leading it. As a freshman, I...

Additional Essay Details:

75 Words

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When you write your essays make sure you give enough time to each college’s supplemental essays. For each college you apply to, you’ll probably have to write a couple essays (4ish?). Although I’m sure that the common app essay gets a great deal of weight in admissions, remember that the college specific essay questions are chosen by admissions offices and there are more of those questions than the generic common app essay.